Chris Gayle apologises for ‘joke’ on TV, fined

Chris Gayle was fined but avoided suspension for making inappropriate comments to a female reporter in a live TV interview during a Big Bash League Twenty20 match in Australia.

After scoring 41 from 15 deliveries for the Melbourne Renegades in a win over the Hobart Hurricanes on Monday night, the former West Indies captain suggested to television reporter Mel McLaughlin that the pair go out for a drink and made remarks about her appearance. He added, “Don’t blush, baby” during an awkward pause in the interview.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland on Tuesday joined the criticism of Gayle’s suggestive comments, saying it bordered on harassment and was inappropriate in the workplace.

Renegades chief executive Stuart Coventry reacted by fining Gayle $10,000 Australian dollars ($7,300).“There wasn’t anything meant to be disrespectful or offensive to Mel,” Gayle told reporters. “If she felt that way, I’m really sorry for that.

“There wasn’t any harm meant in that particular way... It was a simple joke. The game was going on. Entertainment, things get out of proportion, but these things happen... We have to move on. Simple.”